In My Heart [Mass Market Paperback]

Lady Alexandra Marshall, future Countess Ware, had once been married to Christopher Donally. The marriage had not lasted long. Alex watched helplessly as her irate father had Christopher shipped off to India and the marriage annulled. She waited for him to return to her, only to be disappointed. He did not return.

It was ten years before Christopher showed up again and it was NOT for Alex. He wanted nothing to do with the aristocracy. He was heir to D&B Steel and Engineering and wanted only to run his business. While doing so, Christopher planned to give his sister, Brianna, her launch into Society. He never expected to see Alexandra or for her to ask for his help.

Lady Alexandra had kept herself sane by devoting herself to the British Museum as an archaeologist. When she realized gems had been stolen from artifacts and replaced by fakes, she reported it to the head curator. However, she quickly learned that the museum would rather ruin her career and reputation than admit to the thefts. She went to Christopher for help. In exchange, Alexandra would support Brianna's launch.

***** A splendid addition to the Regency era is author Melody Thomas! She somehow made the hero and heroine total opposites, yet perfect for each other. While Lady Alexandra has no siblings and only her work, Sir Christopher has a huge Irish family who enjoys beating up on each other, especially during games such as croquet. To watch these two main characters go head-to-head is sheer delight! This one will hit your "Keeper" shelf! *****

Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.

Courtesy of CK2S Kwips and Kritiques

If a reader wants a beautifully told romance, with plenty of action to keep one intrigued, this debut by Ms. Thomas is one to read.

Lady Alexandra Marshall is not an ordinary woman for her time. She is relatively independent, well schooled, and a career woman. She is content in her job at the museum, spending her days with the priceless artifacts she works with. Though her new life seems to be going well, she has never forgotten the one man who stole her heart years ago, her ex-husband - the only man she has ever loved.

Sir Christopher Donally has overcome his less then stellar past to make a new mark on society with his architecture company. His business is taking off and they are in the running for some high dollar government projects. However, as well as he seems to be doing now, he can't get out of his mind the only woman who ever truly mattered to him. So when he bumps into her quite by accident after 10 years, all those old feelings come rushing back.

Alex never in a million years expected to see Christopher again, especially as a member of the board for her museum! When she discovers that someone has been stealing jewels from the museum she goes straight to her boss, who promptly accuses her, damaging her reputation. There is no one she can think of for help, so she turns to Christopher for aid. He agrees, the price being she'll sponsor his sister in society. However, long buried feelings begin to bubble up, reminding them both of what they once had. Will they solve the mystery of who is stealing artifacts? Can they overcome their past to find the love they are destined for?

Ms. Thomas has told a wonderful tale here, with strong characters. Alex and Christopher are a perfect pair who, though unable to overcome the obstacles in their way the first time around, now have a second chance at the love of which they never let go. They are perfect complements for each other and give everyone hopes of someday finding that special kind of love. The secondary characters are also wonderful, from Christopher's sister Brianna and the rest of his rambunctious family and friends, to Alex's cold father, to the museum employees.

The mystery of the missing pieces at the museum is well done, and though a big part of the storyline, it never overwhelms the real story - Alex and Christopher's romance. There is enough action surrounding this part of the plot to keep the reader turning pages, as if the heat from Alex and Christopher's relationship isn't enough. The resolution of the mystery is not too surprising, even with the few false trails thrown in. However, this reviewer didn't figure it out until the end, probably due to focusing on the romance part of the story.

All in all, this book was delightful and a wonderful way to spend the hours. One will be carried along on the waves of Alex and Christopher's love, wishing real life could go the same. The best part of the book, for this reviewer was the fact it proves time resolves issues, when love in strong enough. It proves fate always has its way, even when it looks like things can't work out. It will give the reader a sense of hope, that even when one feels down, "what's meant to be will be." The worst thing about this story? That it had to end. This reviewer looks forward to more books by Ms. Thomas, if this one is any indication of what she is capable of writing.

© Kelley A. Hartsell, January 2004. All rights reserved.

Lady Alexandra Marshall dedicated her life to becoming a highly regarded scientist, a feat that is rarely accomplished by a female. However, her dedication, devotion and deeds have made the male dominated scientific community take notice. Of course she has no other life to speak of, but Alexandra does not care. As she attains the epitome of her lofty goal, burglaries place her success at risk and even worse, a secret she thought buried has surfaced that if exposed will ruin her regardless of her achievements.

Sir Christopher Donally wants the past left buried and thought with his wealth and position he could do just that. He, like the female scientist, learns that sometimes the past refuses to remain interred. He must deal with past problems that could destroy him. Soon he and Alex will re-cross paths that both thought hidden including the resurfacing of their love for one another as the only hope to overcome the pains that threaten both of them.

Fans will enjoy IN MY HEART, an engaging second chance at love mystery that keeps the audience not only hooked with the romance, but guessing on what is going on and why. The lead couple is a delight as their mutual past rears up to bring them together though neither is prepared for nor want reconciliation. Fans of historical romantic suspense tales will appreciate this fine tale of love lost and regained if the protagonists can reach out for one another before both are destroyed.

Harriet Klausner